Comparing broadband providers

There are plenty of cheap broadband deals out there. But if you’re thinking of switching provider, getting a great price isn’t always the main priority. You’ll also want to check download speeds, data limits, and whether or not to bundle your phone and broadband, and even you’re TV, into one package.

You can easily compare broadband packages with comparethemarket.com. But we’ve also taken a closer look at what each of the leading broadband providers brings to the table.

This page is all about Virgin Media broadband, so continue reading for the details. For other providers, click here.

What does Virgin Media offer?

Virgin Media is very flexible when it comes to the deals it offers, making it easy to customise your package to suit your lifestyle. In fact, Virgin was one of the first providers in the country to offer broadband, phone, TV and mobile, all in one package.

Virgin is also known for the superfast fibre optic broadband service that it calls VIVID. The company uses a different type of cable to Sky and BT. Its ’DOCSIS 3’ fibre optic technology can reach download speeds of up to 200Mbit/s.

Remember that internet speed will depend on your location, so it’s best to do a broadband speed check when comparing broadband packages. To find out whether Virgin Media is available at your home, you can enter your postcode into the checker on Virgin’s website.

What broadband packages does Virgin Media have?

Like most providers, Virgin Media offers a wide range of home broadband packages, including internet only, broadband plus phone, and bundles that also include TV. All of them come with unlimited broadband – other suppliers put caps on the amount of data you can download each month with some of their deals.

Virgin also offers what it calls its ‘Big Bundles’. These include an optional mobile SIM, and Virgin Media’s TiVo ‘smart TV’ service. TiVo offers some of the most up-to-date smart TV features around – you can record up to three channels at the same time, so need never miss a show again.

What about extras?

As with most suppliers, there are some nice extras on offer if you join Virgin Media.

If you bundle your broadband in with a TV package, you can take your TV access with you on the go with Virgin’s TV Anywhere. This allows you to watch TV online from your computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also manage TiVo remotely, recording your favourite shows whilst on the move.

Virgin Media also gives you Wi-Fi on the London Underground (more than 150 stations are connected), as well as access to its hotspots network with its Wi-Fi Buddy app.

What’s more, you can get photos printed by Snapfish for free through your Virgin Media account. New broadband customers get up to 100 free prints a month for a year after they sign up.

Virgin Media doesn’t charge for any service or repairs if their equipment breaks down. That’s good news if you’re looking for a cheap broadband deal with no hidden costs.

Lastly, Virgin Media offers a complete help and security suite, which includes parental controls, and protection from viruses, identity theft and malicious websites. There’s also its Gadget Rescue service, which provides 24-hour tech support service for its equipment.

What’s Virgin Media’s customer service like?

Virgin Media’s customer service phone line is available from 8am until midnight, 7 days a week. You can also chat to someone online from 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Availability is one thing, the quality of customer service on offer is equally important. In 2014, Ofcom research placed Virgin Media above the other ‘big four’ broadband providers with an overall customer satisfaction score of 76%.

How do I switch?

Switching to Virgin Media is done in three steps. First, choose your bundle or customise your Virgin Media package. Then download a pre-written cancellation letter for your current provider from the Virgin website, fill in the blanks and post if off. Check your notice period, as the switch can’t happen until after that time.

Once that’s done, Virgin Media will send one of their engineers to install their broadband connection in your home or business – or if possible, they’ll send a Quickstart pack for to get you up and running faster.

Will I save with Virgin Media?

Which provider offers the best value deal for you will depend on your particular needs and preferences. So it’s still best to compare Virgin Media’s offer with other broadband suppliers. It’s a competitive market out there, so there are usually lots of broadband offers around.

With comparethemarket.com, you can quickly and easily get informed and compare deals available in your area. Simply enter your postcode, select from the options you’d like, and the relevant offers will be listed out for you. We’ll also show you other important factors like download speeds, monthly charges, connection costs, and the freebies and extras you could get.

See if you could start saving when you compare broadband with comparethemarket.com today.

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